Welcome to Gaia! ::

“Hey,” Isaac leaned against the back of the couch to peer over Vera’s shoulder as she read one of those romantic novels from Barnes and Noble. “That was my cousin on the phone. Apparently they are having a spur of the moment barbeque at her parents house today. It’s mostly going to be family but friends are invited if you’re interested in going.”

From what Hannah said, although they were going to be late it sounded like his parents were going to try to make it. Liam and Jesse were bound to be there as well as several of Mr. and Mrs. Carrington’s friends from church. That aside, Isaac actually felt it would be a good idea for Vera to maybe meet someone approximately her own age who wasn’t a co-worker. Not that he disapproved of the people she met but having friends in the retail business often meant paychecks get spent rather quickly especially when there is an ‘amazing sale’ going on. Not that he didn’t trust Vera but outside influences did give him reason enough to worry.

“Hm?” Vera’s head picked up from her book, a small blush on her cheek as he broke her concentration right in the middle of Knight Alexander’s heated passion of deflowering the Lady Periwinkle. Her eyes seemed slightly glazed over as the lashes fluttered to focus on his face. “What did you...oh? A barbeque? Sure. That sounds like it could be a lot of fun.” Vera’s face slowly began to smile as she worked quickly to pull her mind out of fantasy land and cursing Isaac’s impeccable timing. Did it count as a c**k block if it was fictional characters?

Sliding the book closed, Vera leaned to place it on the table besides the couch before she rose to her feet and stretched her arms over her head. “How long have I been curled up like that?” She half laughed as her shoulders made a popping noise. “Oh that felt good.”

Releasing the stretch, red eyes turned back to the man and with a now more awake and beaming smile she added “Do I need to change or anything? I mean I know it’s your family but meeting them I do want to make a good impression and not come off as the crazy woman you drug out of the woods.”

Isaac shook his head and chuckled. Despite her attempt to hide it, he could tell by the blush that swept across her cheeks that she had just gotten to the ‘good’ part. He was no fool. After reading a few of those romance novels out of pure curiosity Isaac knew what got her excited and no it was not a fight sequence.

Clearing his throat he replied, “What you have on is fine. There is no need to impress anybody; just be yourself.” His parents already new if their unique situation therefore, by default, he assumed so did the rest of his family. Thankfully they were not like some of the women they went to church with. Women who had no problem voicing their objection of the two living together despite the fact they each had their own room.

Pretending not to notice the chuckle as she knew all too well why he was giving it to her. At least he wasn’t asking where Knight Alexander’s tongue had been. Not a discussion to have before a family dinner after all. Would hate to give them the wrong idea about her.

Though, what was the right idea?

“You know I will try and be as helpful as I can. Least I can do after all.” Turning to head for the hallway to their bathrooms, Vera called back “Let me just grab my phone off the charger and brush my teeth then I’ll be ready.” First impressions included fresh breath. She was in casual attire but that didn’t mean she wanted to shake their hands with cheese on her breath. Oops!

It only took her a few moments before she came back into the living room, hair pulled back into a high ponytail and with a fresh application of some basic make-up, and chimed “Okay. Ready!”

Isaac looked up from the book she had been reading and cleared his throat. Being a soft cover made it fairly easy to guess about how far Vera had made it when he had interrupted.

With a knowing grin he set it back down on the couch where she had left it then walked over to the counter to grab his keys. “So…” he motioned to the garage door, waiting for her to pass before continuing. “Lady Periwinkle huh?” Isaac’s grin widened even further as he shut the door behind them and got into the car.

“You…” Vera snapped her head around to gaze back at him as she slipped into the garage and around to the passenger door. “You didn’t…” Her face was turning red again as she caught sight of his grin. Oh he did and he was loving it.

Wanting to crawl into a hole, Vera could only slide into the seat, fasten her seat-belt and gaze out the window as she felt the heat raise around her neck. “You are horrible, you know that? Completely horrible.” Flustered was the only word that could describe how she felt at that moment and yet…

“Now you will have to tell me. Have you done that?”

For a brief moment Isaac had half a mind to ignore her question and pretend he hadn’t heard her as he put the key into the ignition and start the car. However, as the engine reved and he shifted the gear into reverse he couldn’t help but turn to look over at Vera and offer her an almost proud, but non conforming smile.

“What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” He casually commented.

One thing he learned from the guys who were either dating or married at the time, topics like this were best to be avoided at all costs when conversing with women. While men like to one-up each other, women never forget the things you tell them and will leave you with high expectations to fill and it will be because you dug your own damn grave. No way in hell he was going down that road.

Not to mention, it was kind of an unfair question of Vera to ask because it’s not like he could turn around and ask the same of her. Considering the unfortunate circumstances surrounding her past, it isn’t like she could honestly answer if she truly didn’t remember.

Frankly she had tried to turn the tables away from her red, flustered face onto him and had failed in a blaze of colors. Not only had he completely avoided answer it, he had managed to make her feel like she needed a shower. Or seven.

Deciding the topic was better left at that version of a dead end, Vera turned her eyes out the window and watched as their street went by. “Well, unless you are that movie What Happens in Vegas but since neither of us are and there isn’t million of dollars on the line.” Offering a shrug, she finally stole a slide glance at him. Did Isaac have any idea how that wicked smile made her feel?

“Changing topic to one that makes me feel less as if I need a cold dunk in a pool, remind me please how the people we are going to see are related to you? Just don’t want to screw up.”

It was mildly amusing at how easily she went from being turned on by some carefully chosen words on a page to completely disgusted by a simple smile. Women…

“Technically, from a biological standpoint we’re not related. My parents, Shannon and Matthew, adopted me when I was eleven… twelve years old. Hopefully they will show up later this afternoon so I can introduce you to them. We are actually heading over to my aunt and uncle’s house, their names are Lisa and Derek, they have one daughter Hannah who is almost a spitting image of her mother.” It was uncanny with how similar they look especially if their backs are to you. It actuaIly happened twice where he went to ask his aunt a question and it had been Hannah instead.

“I have two other cousins that I heard bantering each other in the background, Jesse and Liam. Although he is the youngest, Liam is the taller of the two. Their parents are Rebecca and Tony though I suspect only their mother is there right now.” Not that Tony was adverse to showing up to these things but from what Isaac understood the man worked four tens and at least one of the days was a weekend.

“Don’t worry, nobody actually expects you to remember their names.” He glanced over at Vera and flashed her a reassuring smile.

The look on Vera’s face was clearly that of one trying to remember some important detail. Her fingers were above her lap as her right hand tapped against her left each time her mouth moved. Slowly she was rattling off names. Two were key: Shannon and Matthew. Those were his parents, adopted or not. If anyone to remember, it was them. Next would be Lisa and Derek. Being their hosts, she wanted to try and remember them. At least Lisa.

“If I can remember your mother and your aunt, I’ll call that an achievement.” Vera finally had to admit, leaning back against the seat with a half laugh. “I just hope I don’t make a complete fool of myself. Only a half fool.” It was a tease at herself with a gentle shrug.

“Thank you though for including me.”

“Hey,” He reached over and gave her knee a squeeze. “Stop that. Just be yourself and have fun ok?” It didn’t happen often but from time to time her mood would shift in such a way he knew that she was having doubts about something. “You really don’t need to impress anyone and if you’re not enjoying yourself we can leave.” As long as they showed up he knew his cousin would be happy.

A smile was her answer. Isaac was truly too good to her and she was reminded every day how grateful she was that a man like him found her some months ago. “Thank you Isaac. I’m sure I will have a great time though.”

Taking a deep breath, Vera braced herself for the rest of the ride and the first meeting. Lord she hoped she didn’t fall on her face.

No more than twenty minutes passed before Isaac pulled his car over to the side of the street and put the vehicle into park right out in front of a dusty blue colored house and white trim. The yard was rather unextraordinary; fresh cut grass that had also been recently trimmed with pink rhododendrons and a pine tree serving as a borderline between their yard and their neighbors.

“This is it!” He opened the door and stepped out.

Even from where they were at, the sounds of young kids screaming and giggling could be heard. It made him wonder if his aunt set up the slip-and-slide for the the younger kids or if they were just simply playing tag.

Even before they reached the door the smell of BBQ assaulted his senses in a way that made his stomach growl. If he knew Derek then there would undoubtedly be the typical hot dog and burger and chicken options, mostly for the kids, But what Isaac was looking forward to was the brisket or ribs. The man had a way with backyard cooking he had to give him that.

As the made their way up the front steps Isaac rapped his knuckles on the dark blue door. After a moment of no reply despite hearing the pattering of feet scurrying down the hallway, he reached for the knob to see if it was open and stepped inside “Knock knock!”

“GIVE THAT BACK!” One of the older boys yelled as he, and another young man, landed unceremoniously on the couch. The one on top, Liam, looking thoroughly pissed while the other stretched his arm over the armrest to keep “I swear to god, when Isaac get where I’m going to have him teach me how to beat the s**t out of you.”

From the hallway Isaac cleared his throat to stifle a startled laugh just as an older woman, more than furious as his cousin, came into the living room and snatched the handheld game console from Jesse. “Both of you two.” She almost hissed. “Knock it off!”

“But…” Liam started but quickly zipped his lips once he caught that warning ‘look’ all mothers had. It was a terrifying expression that made you honestly think otherwise or there would be swift retribution if you argued.

Like a scalded puppies with their tails tucked between their legs both boys got up however their moods quickly shifted when the taller of the two saw spotted his cousin in the hallway “Isaac!” He practically yelled as he barreled around coffee table over to greet him. “Will you teach me-”

“How to beat the s**t out of your brother?” He rose an eyebrow causing Liam’s face to turn varying shades of red. “No,” Isaac chuckled and shook his head before placing a heavy hand on his cousins shoulder and pulling him in for a hug. “Why don’t you go outside, I’ll be there in a few minutes?”

Both boys sighed and reluctantly obeyed but not before bumping each other with their shoulders when walking into the kitchen.

“My goodness… boys…” Rebecca pinched the bridge of her nose as if she were trying to get rid of an oncoming headache “You know, I’m jealous they actually listen to you.” She laughed, strands of brown hair falling into her face as she shook her head while walking over to the two. “I’m so glad you made it Isaac,” The older woman offered him a hug of her own then stepped back to look him over “You look good.”

Her attention then shifted to the young woman standing beside her nephew looking either shy or rightly mortified by what she just saw. “Hi, my name is Rebecca, I’m his Aunt. And those two terrors,” she pointed over her shoulder with her thumb at the two retreating boys. “Are my sons Liam and Jesse. And you are?”

Animated. It was the only word Vera could come up with for everything she had just witnessed. The two boys were like ping-pong balls zooming from one end of the room to the next before their mother had stepped in. Bless her soul that woman had to be strong to put up with the balls of energy that were those two.

Judging then on the fact that even Vera felt like crawling in a hole when she saw the look on the woman’s face, she didn’t worry anymore about the woman anymore.

“Oh. Me? Um. I’m…” She was stumbling, foolishly as she glanced towards where the boys had just been then to Isaac’s back before finally locking eyes with the woman. “Vera. I’m Isaac’s roommate. It’s nice to meet you Ms. Rebecca.”

Manners were all she had to fall back on as she gave the woman a polite smile before once more trying to figure out if she should make a break for the door or remain in place. Vision based on movement?

“No need to be formal around here; Becca or Rebecca is fine.” The woman, though looking exhausted already, offered a friendly smile. “If you two will excuse me, I need to go lock this up before those two end up in a brawl again.” Boys will be boys but when sharing was concerned those two were the worse. Why she thought allowing them to bring the switch over was an o-k idea was beyond her. Her only guess was that it was to give the saying ;hindsight is 20-20’ validation.

“Vera, it’s nice meeting you. Food is out back, Isaac, if you could, swing by the kitchen and see if your Aunt Lisa needs any help?”

Isaac stepped aside, back pressed against the blue textured wall so his Aunt could squeeze by. “Yeah, sure.” He glanced over at Vera with an almost apologetic lopsided smile. “I kind of warned you,” he commented only after his aunt had stepped outside and well outside of hearing range. It had been a few months since he last saw his cousins; eight to be exact. Prior to that they had all been pretty well behaved, then again it could have been because of the circumstances surrounding his stateside arrival

“You did but I don’t think there is ever a true warning for what we just witnessed.” Vera offered with a much warmer smile. It seemed Rebecca, no Becca, was holding down the fort as much as she could with those two. “Now if only she could bottle their energy and market it. I think she could make a killing.”

Pointing over her shoulder to the opposite direction that the three of them had disappeared towards, Vera gesture slightly with her eyes. “Kitchen that way? If you want to go out and help your Aunt, I’ll go see if I can help our hostess. Least I can do while you teach the boys how to…” She felt a small smile. “Beat each other up.”

“Yeah, that’s not happening,” Isaac quickly shut down that idea. There was no way in hell he’d be the one responsible for his cousins ending up in the hospital.

“The formal dining room is on the right, the Kitchen is on the left and the door to the backyard is in the bonus room which sometimes doubles as my Uncle’s office.” It was more of a computer room or reading room but it didn’t stop Derek from calling it his ‘man cave’. As he guided her down the hallway, pass the stairs, he slid open the pocket door. “And if you need to use the restroom…” Inside was a moderately sized half bath; not quite enough room for a wheelchair however someone could use the space as a changing room if they wanted to put on a bathing suit if they were so inclined.

Closing the door, Isaac put his hand on Vera’s lower back and guided her the rest of the way towards their original destination.

“Hey mom?” Someone called out from the kitchen. “Where’s the paprika?”

With her head hidden behind an open cabinet, a young woman stood on her tippy toes trying to reach the small glass bottles in the back of the shelf. “My goodness.” She muttered to herself. “Why do we have so much cinnamon?” Setting the third full bottle on the counter in front of her she continued rummaging around fruitlessly for the desired spice.

Isaac stepped behind her and cleared his throat. “Need help?” he asked with a knowing smile when she looked up at him. Standing at a whole head taller he had the height needed for such things; a blessing and a curse his own mother abused at times especially when it came to spiders on the ceiling.

It took a whole of three seconds to find what his cousin was looking for. “Deviled eggs?” he asked, handing her the red colored spice.

“That is so not fair,” Hannah laughed “and yes. I just finished piping the filling, all that’s left is to sprinkle some of this-” She reached up to close the cabinet door only to pause mid sentence.

In the moment blue eyes locked with those of vibrant red the world seemed to pause. The sounds of children running around in the backyard, screaming as they dodged water balloons, faded into silence as did whatever her cousin was trying to say. For that single moment nothing existed outside of them until the sound of glass shattering and something sharp stabbing the side of her foot yanked Hannah from her stupor?

“Delilah?” her former friends name was spoken upon a whisper mixed with disbelief and confusion. Almost two years had passed since they had spoken to one another. Two years spent mourning the loss of one she once called sister; a fact her mother was reminded of when they had attended Mr and Mrs. White’s funeral which was why Hannah sincerely doubted her mom had any part to play in this.

“Hey? Are you ok?” Isaac put his hands on Hannah’s shoulders to move her away from the broken spice bottle only to notice that she had already been cut when he looked down. “Hannah?” He looked between the two women after realizing his cousin had no intention of moving. Either because she simply did not care, or perhaps didn’t realize, she was standing barefoot among broken shards.

“Hannah… this is Vera. The roommate I spoke to you about over the phone. We’ve been living together over the last several months.” Hannah glanced up at him with an expression that told him she was not convinced. Isaac in turn drew in a deep breath not knowing what else he could, or should, say.